Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2016) put forward later adulthood is the last segment of the life span; where, aging is an individual process that occurs at different rates in different people. The case of Francine looks at the life changing event of Francine a 70 years old who lost her partner, Joan, who she didn’t quite clarify their relationship to her family and friends because it would label her as being a lesbian. She was experiencing a number of challenges included depression due to her grief, lack of support because her family was not aware of impact that losing her friend caused and alcohol abuse which she had issues with in her early years and have now resurfaced (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen 2014).

Francine’s environment have definitely influenced her aging process as she has spent most of her time with Joan who has been taken from the equation so she is left by herself to adjust to the new norm of being alone, which, may not be healthy for her emotionally and by extension physically. Not having Joan to talk to on a day to day basis will have a psychological impact on her which may contribute to her state of depression and stress; the fact that her relationship was not recognized on a legal or social level for most of her life puts a burden on her as well (how to act). Her environment has changed drastically from having her partner where they were like one to being alone also puts pressure on her as she needs to find different ways to cope and identify as being an individual again. Environmental factors influence the aging process; having no one to talk to and being in a strange environment tend to accelerate this process (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman 2016).

In working with older clients in general I would need to employ strategies that will allow them to use their strengths to aid them in overcoming their problems. Due to the fact that these clients are older one would have to take in account that they have years of knowledge under their belt and that should be merited so as the social worker assess their clients situation they should employ the strength base perspective which would yield more. Active listening should also be applied as it is important that clients see your interest in their case and also restating and confirming important information provided by them. It is often said that with age comes wisdom so it is imperative that social workers use this to their advantage and not build a barrier between them and their client even if their clients seem to act as if they have all the answers but they are sitting in the seat that requires help. Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2016) states as people age, their reserve capacities decrease, as a result, older people cannot respond to stressful demands as rapidly as young people..

· Respond to at least two colleagues by offering strategies for how the challenges your colleagues described should be addressed to ensure better mental health care.

Support your response with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Colleague 1:DP

hallenges/Gaps in the Mental Health Care System

The mental health care system has many challenges and gaps leaving those with mental illnesses vulnerable, helpless, and oppressed. The World Health Organization (2004) states, “The country is not very sensitized to mental health issues” (p. 82). The lack of support from the country overall, is proof of why those with mental health issues cannot get the assistance needed or the funding needed to help better the lives of the community of those who suffer from mental illness. Other barriers such as mental health interventions are not seen as successful enough to continue seeking that route. There are certain people who are resistant to change in policies and then an agreement for mental health policies are too few far in between. There is an insurmountable quantity of people that need to be seen but too few of providers out there to help (World Health Organization, 2004, pp. 82-83). In the Parker case, the health professional that had discharged the client may have been overwhelmed by the amount of work with the same group of clients or clients with similar issues or the lack of resources that the hospital is unable to provide. The statement quoted above can also pertain to the health worker because she may not have empathy towards the client(s); therefore showing her lack of respect once they are discharged.

Environmental Stressors

Environmental stressors such as in the Parker case where the Mother was/is hoarding and it has always affected the daughters especially the one that currently lives with her. The environmental stressor is the relative’s habit. The stressor agitated the client enough that she was in the hospital multiple times. The last visit might have been avoided had the treatment been longer or possibly less challenging for the staff. “Stress also can lead to serious mental health problems, like depression and anxiety disorders” (Mental Health America, n.d.). The client from the Parker case might have gained a mental health issue due to her environmental stressor(s) at home.